How to choose an eBike for your needs

How to choose an eBike for your needs

Do you enjoy cycling, but wish your legs felt a little more powerful, the headwind less challenging and the uphill a bit gentler? Would you like to enjoy much longer trips in the nature or the city? All these can be achieved with Electric Bikes. Electric Bikes make riding easier and more appealing to an ever-broadening array of people. They are both a healthy recreational outlet and a frugal means of transportation. When commuting to work, doing daily errands, or moving around during leisure time, Electric Bikes offer a carefree cycling experience. By combining practicality and exercise, with the electric assistance you can set the desired resistance of the bike to the level you want.

Electric Bikes are generally a bit more expensive than regular bikes, which is largely due to the price of the battery and electric motor. We recommend only trusting established electrical parts manufacturers and their components, e.g., Shimano, Yamaha, Bosch, Brose & Simplo. Trusted brands have a long history of component manufacturing and excellent quality control.
All Electric Bikes in Electrobike's selection are chosen through proper quality control and based on the latest environmental standards. The super cheap e-bikes advertised online generally use cheap components, so the durability is worse and cause dangerous situations to the rider. Additionally, the availability of spare parts/possibility of maintenance and warranty issues can cause difficulties and long waiting times.

We have divided this guide into explaining some of the Key Features of eBikes and then showcasing the different eBike categories available. In addition, we have outlined some of the pros and cons of each bike "style".

Key Features of eBikes

Motors

Pedal Assist

All Electrobike’s eBikes are pedal-assisted bikes, which power the electric motor as your feet apply pressure to the pedals. When you pedal, it feels like having more power in your legs. There’s no throttle control on the handlebar to get the bike going; the electric part works only when the rider is pedaling, and the electric assist cuts off at speeds above 25 km/h.

Mid-drive motors

Many motors feature this setup, for a variety of reasons. The pedal assist responds with a natural feel and having the weight of the motor centered and low helps keep the ride balanced and stable.

Hub-drive motors

Front or Rear-wheel hub-drive motors send pedal power straight to the wheel, giving you a feeling of being pushed or pulled along. Note that changing a flat tyre on the wheel where the hub drive is mounted can be more complex than changing a flat on a standard (or mid-drive) bike. Front-hub drive motors handle somewhat like front-wheel drive cars.

eBike Motor Torque

Torque is a spec to check if you plan to ride a lot of hills and/or haul heavy loads. Generally, bikes are equipped with the equivalent motors meant for their use cases. (eg. mountain bikes have more powerful engines, city bikes have less powerful) Torque is measured in newton meters (Nm), the listed maximum for an e-bike might generally range from 40 Nm to 85 Nm. Your actual riding torque will vary, though, as you change your pedal-assist settings.

eBike Batteries

Size & Range

Manufacturers focus a lot of attention to the power parts of each bike consisting of the motor and the battery. The design tradeoff is usually performance versus riding range. A more powerful motor delivers more instant speed and torque for climbing hills and hauling cargo. A more powerful motor also burns up the battery faster, reducing your riding range. A less powerful motor has a longer riding range, but less torque for more challenging terrains.

When comparing the bikes, you’ll see broad riding distance range from 50-150Km, for example. That’s because so many variables affect riding range such as weather, rider weight, terrain, temperature, age of the battery components etc. Having a big battery helps: Capacities are stated in watt hours (Wh), the number of hours a battery can sustain 1 watt of power before dying. The most common battery capacity is 500Wh. Extra batteries are also available for purchase.

Battery charge time

Most batteries will require three to five hours to fully charge from empty, with large-capacity batteries taking longer. You can buy extra chargers (or carry your charger along) if you plan to commute on your e-bike and want to charge at work/school.

Battery mounting setup

Batteries are usually integrated into the frame to clear space for bottle cages or a small bike bag. The battery can also be situated in the rear rack, central frame, or behind the seat post. Generally, all batteries are easy and fast to remove and lock into place with a key.

Other E-bike Features and Components

Lights

Found most often on city and commuter bikes, this is a nice safety feature to have, and lights are required by the law for street riding. Systems vary, with high-end bikes having more powerful lighting. Power is generally taken straight from the battery.

Racks

Typically found on city and trekking e-bikes, these sturdy racks can support heavy loads. E-bikes can also accommodate a wide range of separately purchased bags and baskets, though you’ll need to verify that a rack will fit your bike model.

LCD Displays/ Bike Computers

All eBike systems generally have a bike computer, mounted usually on the handlebar, that lets you monitor key aspects of your bike such as battery life, pedal-assist mode, kilometers ridden, speed, clock and much more.

Smartphone Connectivity & Bluetooth

Some eBike systems can wirelessly connect with smartphones. Available apps might include GPS, service records, adjusting of different bike assists settings and additional screen capabilities.

Frame Materials

Most eBike frames are made of aluminum, but carbon fiber and steel bikes are also available. Carbon Fiber is generally found from more high-end bikes, due to the higher price point. Frame material and design, along with the size of the motor and battery, are the biggest contributors to total weight of the bike. Most eBikes weigh between 20-25Kg. Generally heavier than their regular-bike counterparts, eBikes overcome the weight through their motor assist. But a lighter bike will still feel nimbler when turning and maneuvering in traffic. So, if you are choosing between two otherwise comparable bikes, a lighter model will likely provide the better ride.

Electric Bike Categories

Familiar Styles - Electrified

eBikes initially break down into the same categories as conventional bikes: mountain/trail, Trekking, City, Gravel plus more niche styles like road, cruiser, cargo, and folding bikes. In the end the best bike for you is one that truly fits you. For an investment as big as an eBike, it’s important to make it feels like it was made for you—or can at least be modified to fit you with a few adjustments. On our product pages for eBikes you can find handy Smart Frame Calculators, that suggest you the correct frame size based on your dimensions. If Frame Calculators are not available for the specific model yet, there’s usually an alternative chart for sizing available.  Beyond frame size, an eBike's frame geometry will determine how it is supposed to fit your unique body measurements. Visiting a bike shop is the best way to dial in your fit so you are all properly aligned for the riding position you need. Testing more than one bike will give you a better feel for your options and help you confirm which style is best for you.

Electric City Bikes

City bikes are the most popular choice for commuting, city driving and doing everyday things. City bikes are designed to be safe and comfortable to ride. Electrobike’s selection includes traditional city electric bikes with coaster/foot brakes and hydraulic disc brakes. The city bike, which offers an upright riding position, is comfortable to ride and the bikes have a low step through frame type, which is easy and safe to get on and off from. An electric city bike is the best choice for a driver who is looking for a high-quality and practical electric bike for everyday use, work trips and versatile leisure riding.

Pros:
+ Excellent price-quality ratio for city and commuter use
+ Easy and safe to get on a low frame bike
+ Option for Coaster/Foot brakes, long battery range

Why choose something else:
- Narrow tires are best for asphalt, choose a bike with wider tires if driving on dirt roads
- Uneven roads usually are more comfortable with Trekking Bikes that have better suspension
- The upright driving position is not to everyone's liking

Electric Trekking Bikes

Trekking electric bikes are an excellent choice for commuting, work trips, nature excursions, dirt roads and easy trails! When riding long distances, the riding position must be comfortable and reliable, which is taken into account in the frame types of touring electric bikes and the quality components chosen for the bikes. Several bikes have a low wave frame type, which is easy and safe to get on and the wide tires enable a stable and rolling ride. More robust suspension components take the shocks from the uneven roads and more powerful motors handle the hills.

An electric trekking bike is the best choice for a rider who is looking for a high-quality commuter bike that can handle the rougher terrain and hills easier. Wider wheels also help with winter riding and in dirt/gravel road conditions.

Pros:
+ Wide tires are suitable for the city and for dirt roads and light trails
+ Comfortable riding position and stable ride thanks to the better front suspension parts
+ More powerful motor systems and generally bigger batteries

Why choose something else:
- If you want to head to the forest trails, high end trekking or mountain bikes are more favored
- Trekking bikes are generally a bit heavier and bulkier than the city bikes

Electric Hardtail Bikes

A front suspended electric mountain bike is a great choice for a beginner mountain biker looking for a simpler and low maintenance electric mountain bike. Agile frames, wide tires and a relaxed riding position are perfectly suited for driving on forest trails and year-round commuter cycling. If you ride mostly on trails and light terrain, a hardtail eBike can provide fun and fast riding pleasure, and effective front suspension absorbs shocks and vibrations with the necessary force. A stiff rear wheel is more efficient when pedaling and faster on climbs and flat trails than a full-suspension alternative.

Pros:
+ Excellent value for money
+ Comfortable driving position, less frequent maintenance needs compared to full suspension bikes
+ Reliable and highly efficient motors, with high torque and big battery capacity

Why choose something else:
- No lights or cargo racks, they are sold as separate products
- People who enjoy mountain biking a lot may want the features of a full suspension bike

Full Suspension Electric Bikes

A full suspension electric mountain bike is a great choice when you want perfect comfort and great controllability on all kinds of terrain. The frame geometries designed for fast driving and high-quality components ensure that you can fully focus on driving and enjoying it, the high-quality full suspension absorbs even the hardest impacts and makes the ride smooth and comfortable. Full-suspension off-road e-bikes are suitable for all types of off-road riding, from trails, downhills, bike parks, enduro, etc.

Pros:
+ Excellent frame geometry for off-road driving
+ Powerful motors and high-quality suspension components

Why choose something else:
- No lights or cargo racks, they are sold as separate products
- Price points are higher, Trekking might be better choice if not all features are used
- More maintenance needs due to the suspension parts needing their own regular maintenance